Copied from an internet selling this cactus: Ueblemania Pectinifera: Native of Brazil, it grows there at elevations of 3,300 feet. The globular, slightly cylindrical cactus has ribs running vertically. The body is red brown and its covered by a waxy gray coating. The dark brown spines stand erect in close-set clusters, The flowers remain small and are greenish yellow. This is a beautiful very healthy plant. A collectors essential! Care: They like a sunny and warm spot. They like to be sprinkled on sunny winter days, in winter the plants are best kept dry. Use a cacti soil with good drainage

Thank you, LilBit7765. Rather than me having to essentially re-type the information. you request, may I suggest you visit my web page -- it lists the material and equipment needed (actually very little) and describes the methodology in detail. There is very little to set up and the procedure is quite simple -- it can certainly be accomplished in one day. You don't have to purchase the pH test kit or fertilizer I use -- feel free to use any similar products of your choice. What I describe on my web page is the way I have adapted this methodology: -- you should, in turn, adapt it to suit your own environment and growing conditions. I should mention that I have no formal training in botany or horticulture and that I base my growing techniques on experience, reading (well regarded and/or accepted in the C&S community) literature and interchange of ideas/information such as that available through personal association with other enthusiasts and discussion groups such as this one. James

For tropical species, I believe a plant actively pumping juice is much more tolerant of brief cold + wet in the fall than in the spring. Several nights of cold should not have much if any impact especially if it warms up during the day. Chilly fall evenings do not worry me. 3 chilly days in a row with rain would worry me. Winter growers are generally much more tolerant of cool wet conditions and some will even thrive. I know I've said this before, but the best way to figure out what your plants can handle is to experiment with sacrificial specimens. Get some cuttings to root during the summer, and leave them out in the cold and rain and see how they fare. There is another way to end the shuffle without moving to California or South Africa. Just accept the fact that tropical and subtropical species will not grow as quickly and not gain as much biomass than they would somewhere else. And more importantly, come to the realization that this is not a bad thing - an extended dormancy does not have to negatively impact the health and vitality of the plant. Just bring them inside when the time is right, and leave them there. If that happens to be next week, then call it a day and let them sleep. How much would you really gain with a few more days of warm sun anyway? Maybe pick a handful of your favorites and shuffle them while leaving the rest inside. Don't drive yourself nutty. x

I got it about 2 weeks ago, and since then have watered very sparingly once. I live in tropical climate, so humidity is high, plus there's been lack of sun lately (overcast, it's monsoon season now). My collection is housed indoors, and placed under LED grow lights currently. When there's afternoon sun, I shift them near a window ledge to bask for a bit. Indoor ambient temperature is about 29degC (~85 degF). The potting mix is 70% pumice, 20% volcanic soil and 10% organic potting soil. Pot is plastic and has many drainage holes at the bottom.